ALPINE SCHOOL DISTRICT VOLUNTEER POLICIES

VOLUNTEER SCREENING

In accordance with Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S.) § 15-512, new volunteers who are not a parent or guardian of a child in the school where they will be working must be fingerprinted. Volunteers are required to complete an application, be fingerprinted and approved by HR before beginning work. Once Human Resources receives a completed and satisfactory background check, they will notify the volunteer when to begin volunteering. Unsupervised volunteers required to obtain a fingerprint card, supervised volunteers not required to obtain a fingerprint car.

SUPERVISION OF VOLUNTEERS

Alpine volunteers work under the direct supervision of the professional staff at each school and only with those teachers who have requested the services of the volunteer. It is the responsibility of the school principal, supervising teachers or volunteer coordinator to dismiss any volunteer whose actions are not in the best interest of the schools or our students.

DISCIPLINE

Students rarely have behavior problems while working with volunteers. However, it is important for you to know that our schools have detailed discipline plans and that the responsibility for discipline rests with the teacher. Volunteers may NOT discipline students. Make the teacher aware of any discipline problem that might arise when you are working with a student.

CONFIDENTIALITY

As a volunteer, you will learn a great deal about our programs and students. As you work with the staff and students, information of a confidential nature may be shared with you. The problems, abilities, relationships and confidences of students, their parents and the staff should never be discussed with anyone who does not have a professional right or need to know them. Volunteers enjoy sharing their experiences with friends and family. It is important to keep confidential matters within the school. Do not discuss the progress, test grades, behavior or problems of individual students. The school staff must be able to depend on you to keep this information confidential. It is also important that you not probe into the student's family life or private matters.

CHILD ABUSE REPORTING

All school district personnel are required by law (A.R.S.§ 13-3620) to report suspected child abuse. Failure to report is a crime. This applies to all employees and volunteers when acting in the scope of their work. If abuse is suspected, contact a member of the school's child abuse reporting and education (CARE) team, which includes the school principal, nurse and counselor or Psychologist. Ordinarily, a CARE team member will report the suspected abuse; however, if a CARE team member is unavailable, you must make the report by calling Child Protective Services (CPS), local law enforcement or both, depending on the circumstances. Child abuse must be reported immediately. Never delay a telephone report until the next day.

DISMISSAL OF STUDENTS

Volunteers may never dismiss a student from school. Children who need to leave school early must have permission from the school office. Under no circumstances may a volunteer take a student off campus. Volunteers may not walk or drive students home.

RESTROOMS

Staff restrooms are available for volunteers. We ask that volunteers not use student restrooms.

CONTACTING STUDENTS

As a school volunteer, you will meet many delightful students. We know that you will enjoy working with them. However, volunteers may not telephone students or visit them at their homes. Volunteers may not make arrangements to meet students off campus, nor may students be invited to the volunteer's home. (If you are interested in working with children outside of school hours, we invite you to contact the local Big Brothers, Big Sisters or Foster Grandparents organizations.)

DRESS CODE

Volunteers are adult role models for children. Please take your lead from the professional staff and dress appropriately. Casual clothing is fine, but we ask your attire to be neat and conservative. Your appearance should attract no undue attention.

INSURANCE / WORKERS' COMPENSATION

The district does not carry health and accident insurance or Workers' Compensation for volunteers.